High temperature and corrosion resistant RFID tags have become the first choice for auto parts suppliers to track in-process products

TPV Group supplies leading automotive manufacturers with body and chassis components, seats and seating components, engine gaskets and automated guided vehicle (AGV) solutions. The company has five production sites in Slovenia and Serbia and employs more than 1,200 people.

Automated RFID production line tracks products through shipping and electrophoresis lines

        The company hired Slovenian automatic identification integrator IFAST IOT d.o.o. to develop a new RFID-based system to improve TPV's production and packaging processes. The solution replaces an existing barcode-based system that required more manual work by employees on the production floor.

        “In order to create a solution that would meet the TPV requirements, we had to choose RFID tags that could operate on a metal carrier and be resistant to the effects of chemicals and high temperatures,” said Franci Nadles, owner of IFAST IOT. “We also need to program and configure stationary RFID Readers to avoid cross-reading of carriers, and develop systems that can capture data from RFID tags and send them to the various control systems used by the TPV during production. software."

        TPV Group has implemented IFAST IOT's RFID tags and fixed readers and antennas as part of a closed-loop system, so the tags are only read on TPV's production line as they circulate throughout the facility. Labels are affixed to custom product carriers suspended from various metal components. These carriers are transported throughout the production facility via specialized vehicles and overhead conveyor belts.

Above each workplace is an antenna that reads RFID tags (highlighted in red)

        Different parts can be loaded on each carrier at the same time, but must be coordinated so that the process program parameters for each production stage are the same for each carrier. Information about the parts on the carrier and production management details will be entered into the system as the parts are loaded and associated with the RFID tags. The robotic system uses RFID tag data and automated guided vehicles (AGVs) to manage locations where carriers are sent for processing.

        Ultimately, TPV envisions RFID tags forming the basis of a fully automated "smart factory." Due to the high visibility and accuracy of RFID tags, employees who package products at the end of production always receive corresponding product control and packaging instructions.

By re-reading the RFID tag, the product information is obtained and the operator is provided with information about the further process of information display.

        IFAST IOT tags also ensure that the TPV can provide complete track and trace capabilities throughout the production process. During the manufacturing process, parts undergo many demanding processes, including surface pretreatment, electrophoretic coating, 180 degrees Celsius drying and powder coating.

Autoclavable IFAST IOT RFID tags from IFAST IOT (optional without holder)

        IFAST IOT tags are highly resistant to these processes throughout repeated production cycles and remain in service for long periods of time. IFAST IOT UHF tags have a read range of up to 5 meters and can withstand temperatures up to 250 degrees Celsius. They are also resistant to paint and chemical exposure.

        IFAST IOT has been working with leading automotive industry companies for many years to develop reliable RFID solutions for manufacturing, workflow and supply chain tracking applications. In addition to IFAST IOT tags, IFAST IOT offers a full range of rugged RFID tags for demanding automotive manufacturing applications, including Micro XII Automotive - Paint Shop tags.

        IFAST IOT said: “We are pleased that TPV Group and IFAST IOT are able to utilize our durable RFID tags in this automotive semi-finished product application. “IFAST IOT’s RFID products are designed to help automotive companies increase productivity and reduce costs, and we will continue to Our development focus is on driving further adoption within the industry. "

About IFAST IoT

        IFAST IOT is a leading supplier of automatic identification and mobile data collection hardware and software. Since 1990, IFAST IOT's business has been based on the development of barcode and RFID technologies. To date, IFAST IoT has supported more than 3,000 institutions, providing more than 20,000 barcode scanners, 10,000 label printers and more than 10,000 handheld computers. IFAST IOT's mobile sales solutions are used by more than 150 organizations. A further 400 more use InvOS, an Asset MANAGEMENT solution, and a further 50 more are provided by the IFAST IoT warehouse management system.

        Headquartered in Ljubljana, Slovenia, IFAST IOT also has a subsidiary, IFAST IOT Adria-kod d.o.o., located in Zagreb, Croatia. The latter has the full support of headquarters. Providing all necessary assistance both during the installation and initialization phases of software and hardware (technical support, consultation, maintenance and updating of equipment).

About TPV Group

        TPV Group is a development provider operating in global markets. The product program is contained in three business units: AvtoIN represents TPV’s core business. Within this division, TPV develops and produces body and chassis assemblies, seat components and engine gaskets based on the needs of OEMs and system suppliers. In addition, TPV develops and provides complete cost-effective solutions for logistics management, of which Automatic Guided Vehicles (AGVs) are the main product highlight. The Vehicle segment includes sales programs for new and used vehicles and light trailers and overall after-sales service programs for vehicle users. TPV's third business unit - Trailers - TPV develops and produces light transport trailers in cooperation with its German partner Böckmann. TPV Technology is also one of the partners of the SiEVA Development Center, where TPV develops technical capabilities and participates in research projects.